Home
Olympiad
International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO)

International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO)

The International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO) is a prestigious global competition for high school students focusing on Mathematics. The first IMO was held in 1959 in Romania, initially intended for Eastern Bloc countries. The IMO is held annually in a different country, with the host country changing each year. To participate in the IMO, applicants must undergo a rigorous selection process. 

Nations choose teams by conducting national competitions, and high-scoring students are chosen to represent their nations at the IMO. If you are an ardent Mathematics lover or a student who wishes to participate in the IMO, you should be aware of the exam. Here, we are trying to give you the current information about the IMO, such as exam dates, application process, suggested book, sample papers, exam patterns, syllabus, and results.

Important:

  • SOF IMO 2025-26 Level 1 exam will be conducted on  November 12, November 28, and December 12, 2025.
  • SOF IMO 2025-26 Level 2 exam will be held in January 2026 (Tentative).

1.0IMO 2025 Exam - Overview

The International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO) is conducted by the Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF) for students in classes 1 to 12. IMO consists of two levels of exams: Level 1 and Level 2. The Upcoming IMO 2025 exam is providing a platform for talented young Mathematicians to showcase their skills and compete against their peers.

IMO Highlights

Important Details

Conducting Body

Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF)

Exam Level

Intermediate

Application Process

Via Respective School Authorities

Mode of Exam

Offline

Frequency of Conduct

Once a year

Registration Fee

Rs. 125

IMO Exam Duration

Level 1: 60 Minutes

Level 2: 60 Minutes

Medium of Exam

English

2.0IMO Exam Date 2025-26

The officials have released the dates of the IMO 2025-26 exam on their official web portal. The IMO Exam has three different dates, and the school can select any one date to carry out the exam. According to recent updates, the 66th International Mathematics Olympiad will take place in Sunshine Coast, QLD, Australia

Below, we have provided a table with the exam dates for the International Mathematics Olympiad.

IMO Olympiad Exam Dates

Name of Event

Date of Event 

Last Date of Registration of IMO

Will Be Notified 

IMO Exam Date for Level 1

Level 1 Exam Date 1: 12th November 2025

Level 1 Exam Date 2: 28th November 2025

Level 1 Exam Date 3: 12th December 2025

IMO Exam Date for Level 2

January 2026 (Tentative)

IMO Result Date

Level 1 result: January 2026, and 

Level 2 result: March 2026 (Tentative)

3.0IMO Syllabus 2025

A syllabus for IMO tests students' Mathematics skills from Class I to XII, including Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Calculus, Number Theory, and others. The syllabus is structured in several levels depending on the grade of the student, with difficulty increasing as they go up.

IMO Syllabus (Class Wise) 2025

Class

Section 

Topics

SOF IMO SYLLABUS CLASS 1

Section – 1: Logical Reasoning

Patterns, Odd One Out, Measuring Units, Geometrical Shapes, Spatial Understanding, Analogy, Ranking Test, Grouping, Problems based on Figures.

Section – 2: Mathematical Reasoning

Numerals, Number names, Number Sense (2-digit numbers), Addition, Subtraction, Lengths, Weights and Comparisons, Time, Money, Geometrical Shapes and Solids, and Patterns.

Section – 3: Everyday Mathematics

Syllabus as per Section–2.

Section – 4: Achievers Section

Higher Order Thinking Questions - Syllabus as per Section 2.

SOF IMO SYLLABUS CLASS 2

Section – 1: Logical Reasoning

Patterns, Measuring Units, Geometrical Shapes, Analogy, Ranking Test, Grouping of Figures, Embedded Figures, Odd One Out, Coding-Decoding.

Section – 2: Mathematical Reasoning

Numerals, Number names and Number Sense (3-digit Numbers), Length, Weight, Capacity, Time, Temperature, Money, Lines, Computation Operations, Shapes and Solids, Pictographs, and Patterns.

Section – 3: Everyday Mathematics

Syllabus as per Section – 2.

Section – 4: Achievers Section

Syllabus for Section 2: Higher Order Thinking Questions.

SOF IMO SYLLABUS CLASS 3

Section – 1: Logical Reasoning

Patterns, Analogy and Classification, Alphabet Test, Coding-Decoding, Ranking Test, Grouping of Figures and Figure Matrix, Mirror Images, Geometrical Shapes, Embedded Figures, Days and Dates, & Possible Combinations.

Section – 2: Mathematical Reasoning

Numerals, Number names and Number Sense (4-digit numbers), Computation Operations, Fractions, Length, Weight, Capacity, Temperature, Time, Money, Geometry, Data Handling.

Section – 3: Everyday Mathematics

Syllabus as per Section – 2.

Section – 4: Achievers Section

Higher Order Thinking Questions - Syllabus as per Section – 2.

SOF IMO SYLLABUS CLASS 4

Section – 1: Logical Reasoning

Patterns, Alphabet Test, Coding-Decoding, Ranking Test, Mirror Images, Geometrical Shapes and Solids, Embedded Figures, Direction Sense Test, Days and Dates & Possible Combinations, Analogy and Classification.

Section – 2: Mathematical Reasoning

Numerals and Number Names, Perimeter of Various Shapes, Number Sense (more than 4-digit numbers), Computation Operations, Fractions, Length, Weight, Capacity, Time, Money, Geometry,  Symmetry, Conversions, Data Handling

Section – 3: Everyday Mathematics

Syllabus as per Section–2.

Section – 4: Achievers Section

Higher Order Thinking Questions - Syllabus as per Section–2.

SOF IMO SYLLABUS CLASS 5

Section – 1: Logical Reasoning

Patterns, Analogy and Classification, Geometrical Shapes, Mirror and Water Images, Direction Sense Test, Ranking Test, Alphabet Test, Logical Sequence of Words, Puzzle Test, Coding-Decoding.

Section – 2: Mathematical Reasoning

Numerals, Number names and Number Sense (7 and 8-digit numbers), Computation Operations, Fractions and Decimals, Measurement of Length, Weight, Capacity, Conversions, Geometrical Shapes and Solids, Angles, Time, Temperature and Money, Symmetry, Data HandlingPerimeter of Various Shapes & Area of Rectangle and Square, .

Section – 3: Everyday Mathematics

The syllabus for this section will be based on the syllabus of mathematical reasoning.

Section – 4: Achievers Section

Higher Order Thinking Questions - Syllabus as per Section 2.

SOF IMO SYLLABUS CLASS 6

Section – 1: Logical Reasoning

Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning.

Section – 2: Mathematical Reasoning

Knowing our Numbers, Whole Numbers, Playing with Numbers, Basic Geometrical Ideas, Understanding Elementary Shapes, Integers, Fractions, Decimals, Data Handling, Mensuration, Algebra, Ratio and Proportion, Symmetry, Practical Geometry.

Section – 3: Everyday Mathematics

Syllabus as per Section – 2.

Section – 4: Achievers Section

Higher Order Thinking Questions - Syllabus as per Section – 2.

SOF IMO SYLLABUS CLASS 7

Section – 1: Logical Reasoning

Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning.

Section – 2: Mathematical Reasoning

Integers, Fractions and Decimals, Exponents and Powers, Algebraic Expressions, Simple Linear Equations, Lines and Angles, Comparing Quantities, Symmetry, Congruence of Triangles, Rational Numbers, Perimeter and Area,  Data Handling, The Triangle and its Properties, Visualizing Solid Shapes, Practical Geometry.

Section – 3: Everyday Mathematics

Syllabus as per Section – 2.

Section – 4: Achievers Section

Higher Order Thinking Questions - Syllabus as per Section – 2.

SOF IMO SYLLABUS CLASS 8

Section – 1: Logical Reasoning

Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning.

Section – 2: Mathematical Reasoning

Rational Numbers, Squares and Square Roots, Cubes and Cube Roots, Exponents and Powers, Comparing Quantities, Algebraic Expressions and  Identities, Linear Equations in One Variable, Understanding Quadrilaterals, Constructions, Mensuration, Visualising Solid Shapes, Data Handling, Direct and Inverse Variations, Factorisation, Introduction to Graphs, Playing with Numbers.

Section – 3: Everyday Mathematics

Syllabus as per Section – 2.

Section – 4: Achievers Section

Higher Order Thinking Questions - Syllabus as per Section – 2.

SOF IMO SYLLABUS CLASS 9

Section – 1: Logical Reasoning

Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning.

Section – 2: Mathematical Reasoning

Number Systems, Polynomials, Coordinate Geometry, Linear Equations in Two Variables, Introduction to Euclid’s Geometry, Lines and Angles, Triangles, Quadrilaterals, Areas of Parallelograms and Triangles, Circles, Constructions, Heron’s Formula, Surface Areas and Volumes, Statistics, Probability.

Section – 3: Everyday Mathematics

The syllabus of this section will be based on Mathematical Reasoning and Quantitative Aptitude.

Section – 4: Achievers Section

Higher Order Thinking Questions - Syllabus as per Section – 2.

SOF IMO SYLLABUS CLASS 10

Section – 1: Logical Reasoning

Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning.

Section – 2: Mathematical Reasoning

Real Numbers, Polynomials, Pair of Linear Equations in Two Variables, Quadratic Equations, Arithmetic Progressions, Triangles, Coordinate Geometry, Introduction to Trigonometry, Some Applications of Trigonometry, Circles, Constructions, Areas Related to Circles, Surface Areas and Volumes, Statistics, Probability.

Section – 3: Everyday Mathematics

The syllabus for this section will be based on the syllabus for mathematical reasoning and quantitative aptitude.

Section – 4: Achievers Section

Higher Order Thinking Questions - Syllabus as per Section – 2.

SOF IMO SYLLABUS CLASS 11

Section – 1: Logical Reasoning

Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning.

Section – 2: Mathematical Reasoning /Applied Mathematics

Sets, Relations and Functions, Logarithms, Principle of Mathematical Induction, Complex Numbers & Quadratic Equations, Linear Inequations, Sequences and Series, Conic Sections, Permutations and Combinations, Binomial Theorem, Statistics, Trigonometry, Straight Lines, Mathematical Reasoning, Limits and Derivatives, Probability, Introduction to 3-D Geometry.

OR

Numerical Applications, Sets, Relations and Functions, Numbers, Quantification, Permutations and Combinations, Mathematical Reasoning, Limits, Probability, Descriptive Statistics, Sequences and Series, Basics of Financial Mathematics, Straight Lines, Continuity and Differentiability, Circles.

Section – 3: Everyday Mathematics

The syllabus for this section will be based on the syllabus for quantitative aptitude.

Section – 4: Achievers Section

Sets, Relations and Functions, Sequences and Series, Limits and Derivatives, Permutations and Combinations, Straight Lines, Circles, and Probability.

SOF IMO SYLLABUS CLASS 12

Section – 1: Logical Reasoning

Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning.

Section – 2: Mathematical Reasoning /Applied Mathematics

Relations and Functions, Inverse Trigonometric Functions, Matrices and Determinants, Continuity and Differentiability, Application of Derivatives, Integrals, Vector Algebra, Application of Integrals, Differential Equations, Three Dimensional Geometry, Probability, Linear Programming.

OR

Numbers, Quantification, Numerical Applications, Solutions of Simultaneous Linear Equations, Matrices, Determinants, Application of Derivatives, Integration, Application of Integrations, Differential Equations, Probability, Inferential Statistics, Index numbers, Time-based data, Financial Mathematics, Linear Programming.

Section – 3: Everyday Mathematics

The syllabus for this section will be based on the syllabus for quantitative aptitude.

Section – 4: Achievers Section

Matrices, Determinants, Integration, Application of Integrations, Differential Equations, Linear Programming, Application of Derivatives, Probability.

Note: 

  • Questions of level-I Olympiad exams will be 60% from the current class syllabus and 40% from the previous class syllabus, e.g. Class-7 IMO exam will have 60% questions from class-7 syllabus and 40% questions from class 6 syllabus.
  • Questions in ACHIEVERS SECTION will be from the current class syllabus only.

4.0Eligibility for IMO 2025

The International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO), organized by the Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF), offers two levels of competition for students in grades 1-12: Level 1 and 2.

Level 1 Eligibility:

  • Open to all students in grades 1-12.
  • No specific academic requirements or minimum scores are needed to participate.

Level 2 Selection:

  • Open to all students in grades 3-12.
  • Top 5% of students within each grade level based on their Level 1 performance.
  • Top 25 students from each geographical zone within each grade.
  • The single highest-scoring student from each school provided a minimum of 10 students from that grade who participated in Level 1 and scored at least 50%.

5.0International Mathematics Competition Registration Process 2025

The SOF International Mathematics Olympiad exam application process usually happens through schools in India. Here's a breakdown of the typical process:

Registration:

  • Schools registered with the SOF receive a prospectus containing registration forms.
  • Schools not registered with SOF can request a prospectus by contacting them.
  • The school's coordinating teacher fills out a School Registration Form (SRF) and Students' Registration Sheet.
  • Duly filled forms are sent to SOF before the deadline.

Fees:

  • The registration fee is ₹125 (including GST) per student for schools in India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal. 
  • For other countries, the fee is US $9.
  • In India, schools can add ₹ 25 per student for administrative costs and teacher support.
  • Students with significant disabilities or those whose parents were martyred in defense operations are exempt from fees.

6.0IMO Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme 2025

The International Maths Olympiad welcomes students from grades 1 to 12 with the opportunity to succeed worldwide based on a competition conducted in two phases. All necessary information concerning every phase of the IMO 2025 follows.

IMO Olympiad Exam Level 1 Exam Pattern

  • SOF follows the syllabus of CBSE, ICSE/ISC, and State Board.
  • The first level of the test is conducted during school hours in the respective schools.
  • The International Maths Olympiad (IMO) offers three different test dates, and schools have the flexibility to choose any one 
  • of these dates that works best for them. Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF) creates unique question papers for each examination date.
  •  The test is conducted in English medium.
  • This is a 60-minute objective-type test consisting of 35 MCQs for classes I to IV.

IMO, the Level 1 Marking Scheme for Class I to IV

Sections

No. of Questions

Marks per Questions

Total Marks

Logical Reasoning

10

1

10

Mathematical Reasoning

10

1

10

Everyday Mathematics

10

1

10

Achievers Section

5

2

10

Grand Total

35

 

40

IMO Level 1 Marking Scheme for Class V to XII

Sections

No. of Questions

Marks per Questions

Total Marks

Logical Reasoning

15

1

15

Mathematical Reasoning

Or [Applied Mathematics (Classes 11-12)]

20

1

20

Everyday Mathematics

10

1

10

Achievers Section

5

3

15

Grand Total

50

 

60

IMO Olympiad Exam Level 2 Exam Pattern

  • Level 2 of the SOF IMO exam is conducted for classes III to XII students. 
  • Level 2 consists of 50 objective-type questions for classes V to XII.
  • The second-round qualifiers will include:
    • The International Level: Top 5% of candidates, class-wise, who appear in the SOF IMO Level 1 exam at the International level.
    • Zone/State Level: Top 25 from each zone and category rank holders.
    • At School Level: Class Topper, where at least 10 students from a class appeared in the examination and secured at least 50% qualifying marks.

IMO Level 2 Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme for Class III to XII

Class

Sections

No. of Questions

Marks per Question

Total Marks

Class III and IV

Section 1: Mathematics

30

1

30

Section 2: Achievers Section

5

2

10

Grand Total

35


40

Class V and XII

Section 1: Mathematics

45

1

45

Section 2: Achievers Section

5

3

15

Grand Total

50


60

7.0IMO Awards and Recognition for IMO Exam

Top performers of the SOF International Mathematics Olympiad for session 2025-26 will be honored with awards and scholarships. The below table outlines the various awards available for students participating in the IMO exam, detailing the recognition given at different levels and for other achievements.

AT INTERNATIONAL LEVEL

RANK

SCHOLARSHIPS

NO. OF AWARDS

1st

Rs.50,000/- Each + Gold Medal*+ Certificate of Outstanding Performance

12

2nd

Rs.25,000/- Each + Silver Medal*+ Certificate of Outstanding Performance

12

3rd

Rs.10,000/- Each + Bronze Medal*+ Certificate of Outstanding Performance

12

AT ZONAL LEVEL

RANK

SCHOLARSHIPS

NO. OF AWARDS

1st

Rs.5,000/- Each + Gold Medal*+ Certificate of Zonal Excellence

252

2nd

Rs.2,500/- Each + Silver Medal*+ Certificate of Zonal Excellence

252

3rd

Rs.1,000/- Each + Bronze Medal*+ Certificate of Zonal Excellence

252

4th to 10th

Gifts Worth Rs.1000/- Each + *Medal of Distinction + *Certificate of Distinction + **Certificate of Zonal Excellence

1764

11th to 25th

**Certificate of Zonal Excellence + *Medal of Distinction + *Certificate of Distinction

3780

Rank 26+

Merit Certificate

All

  • Medal of Distinction + Certificate of Distinction will be awarded for 1st-level Ranks.
  • Certificate of Zonal Excellence will be awarded for final Ranks.
  • Medals are Gold / Silver / Bronze color plated as applicable.

In case two or more students achieve the same rank, cash award in the applicable category will be distributed as under:

International Winners:

  • Up to 9 students with the same rank split the award equally.
  • 10 or more students with the same rank receive gifts worth Rs.1,000 each.

Zonal Winners:

  • Up to 4 students with the same rank split the award equally.
  • 5 or more students with the same rank receive gifts worth Rs.1,000 each.

At School Level:

  • Class Toppers receive medals.
  • Top three rank holders in classes with 10 or more students receive gold, silver, and bronze medals.
  • Toppers in classes with 5 to 9 students receive gold medals.
  • Top three rank holders in each section with 10 or more students receive gold, silver, and bronze medals.
  • All students receive a Participation Certification.
  • Second-level participants receive a Merit Certificate.
  • Top 25 rank holders in each class and each Olympiad exam receive Medals of Distinction. Applies to winners from 21 Zones.

Also Read: SOF Exams for 2025-26

8.0IMO Preparation Tips 2025

For students planning to participate in the 2025 International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO), here are a few quick and informative preparation tips:

  • Develop a solid mathematical and problem-solving foundation at a young age.
  • Solving IMO and other math competition problems will enhance your problem-solving ability.
  • You can attend math training camps and programs to practice math, learn from seasoned trainers, and connect with other math enthusiasts.
  • Connect with other math enthusiasts and IMO participants by engaging in online forums, attending mathematics competitions, and joining math clubs.
  • Regularly visit the official IMO website to remain informed of IMO competition news, updates, and tips.
  • Live a healthy lifestyle, keep good time management, and remain motivated and goal-oriented.

9.0International Maths Olympiad 2025 Sample Papers

Experts create sample papers to help students learn what they'll study in the syllabus and understand the pattern and marks of the exam. This allows them to plan well for the exam. 

The International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO) doesn't give out official sample papers before the contest, but you can find problems and solutions from previous years on the IMO website. This way, you can understand how challenging the questions are and what kinds of questions you might see. candidates can download IMO sample papers in PDF format.

10.0Benefits of Participating in IMO Exam  

Why you need to participate in the IMO exam, and what advantages you will gain after taking the exam are discussed here:

  • Olympiad students are ranked according to their marks, so students can compare their academic position at four levels: in the school, city level, zonal level, and international level.
  • Once the first test is finished, students are provided with a comprehensive Student Performance Report (SPR). The report not only determines their strong points and weak areas but also gives them an insight into how they compare with other students at different levels.
  • The SPR contains the analysis of 9 years performance of the student.
  • Awards are given to students at school, zonal, and international levels, viz., cash award, medals, gifts, certificates.
  • Exceptional international class-toppers of every class are rewarded at a gala prize distribution event in Delhi presided over by prominent personalities.
  • Zonal and school prizes are distributed to these winners in their respective institutions.
  • Excellent international toppers of every class are awarded in a grand prize distribution ceremony, which is conducted in Delhi, in the presence of renowned personalities. Zonal and school prize winners have their prizes distributed at their respective institutions.

11.0Recommended International Mathematics Olympiad Books 

Get your young mathematician ready with the finest literary companions to ace the upcoming IMO Exam 2025-26. Find the secret to success in the next IMO Exam 2025 with this handpicked list of suggested books by SOF.

These books/study materials are specifically chosen to enhance mathematical skills and boost confidence.

Olympiad Prep-Guide 

IMO Online Test Package 

IMO Power Pack

Workbook And Reasoning Book Combo For NSO-IMO-IEO-NCO-IGKO-ISSO

IMO Olympiad Skill Development System (OSDS)

Mathematics Olympiad Previous 5 Years Papers

Maths Practice Cum Workbook

Integrated Learning Mathematics with Nep Guidelines

Olympiad Book Of Reasoning

International Mathematics Olympiad: Workbook


12.0Class-wise IMO Exams 2025-26

International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO) - Class 1

International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO) - Class 2

International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO) - Class 3

International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO) - Class 4

International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO) - Class 5

International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO) - Class 6

International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO) - Class 7

International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO) - Class 8

International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO) - Class 9

International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO) - Class 10

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Article:-

Unified International Mathematics Olympiad (UIMO)

The Unified International Mathematics Olympiad (UIMO), hosted by the Unified Council, is a premier national-level competition for students from Class 1 to 10 across India.

Singapore and Asian Schools Math Olympiad (SASMO)

The SASMO (Singapore and Asian Schools Math Olympiad) 2025 is a well-known Math contest in Asia with many participants from different countries.

American Mathematics Competitions (AMC)

The MAA's American Mathematics Competitions (MAA AMC) program is dedicated to improving the Mathematics skills of future problem-solvers across the country.

International Mathematics Olympiad Class 8

The Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF) conducts the IMO for students across grades 1 to 12, aiming to foster mathematical skills through a structured competition consisting of two levels.

Best Books For Olympiad

These prestigious competitions test a wide range of skills, from problem-solving and logical reasoning to in-depth subject knowledge. Having the right study materials is crucial for success, and choosing the best books can significantly impact your preparation.

SOF Olympiad

SOF organizes a variety of olympiads for kids in grades 1 to 12 which are usually held at several levels, beginning in the school and progressing to higher national and international domains.

National Level Science Talent Search Examination (NSTSE)

The National Level Science Talent Search Examination is a test organized by the Unified Council to help students improve their science knowledge.

Aryabhata Ganit Challenge (AGC)

The Aryabhata Ganit Challenge (AGC), organized by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), provides a platform for students to showcase their understanding of mathematical concepts through practical application.

Join ALLEN!

(Session 2025 - 26)

Choose class
Choose your goal
Preferred Mode
Choose State